U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Civics Practice Test

The Constitution is referred to as the supreme law of the land because it establishes the fundamental legal framework for the United States government and its relationship with the citizens. It outlines the structure of government, the powers of various branches, and the rights of individuals. The supremacy clause, found in Article VI of the Constitution, explicitly states that the Constitution, along with federal laws and treaties made under its authority, shall be the highest form of law in the U.S., taking precedence over state laws and constitutions.

In contrast, the Declaration of Independence, while a significant historical document, primarily served to declare the colonies' independence from British rule and does not function as a governing document. Likewise, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee specific rights and liberties to individuals, but it does not establish the overarching framework of governance. The Articles of Confederation were the first attempt at a national government and have since been replaced by the Constitution; they contained many weaknesses and ultimately proved inadequate for governing the country effectively. Thus, the Constitution stands as the foundational legal authority in the United States.